Hayao Miyazaki’s masterpiece, about a mysterious flying city in the clouds, powerful robotic creatures that can wreak immense destruction, and the two children who go looking for it, makes my heart want to soar. There is adventure and young romance (although nothing overt), which makes the film exciting, but it also has a very passionate message at its heart: that life is a precious thing and is worth preserving in all of its forms.  

There is a wonderful moment, at the end film, when the two young adventurers are leaving the abandoned city for the last time. Far below in the city, before the clouds obscure their view, they can see one of the robots carefully picking up a bird’s nest and moving it to safety. Something with incredible power to destroy has instead become a peaceful protector of fragile life. It’s a small moment, but a powerful one, and one of the reasons why Castle in the Sky remains an inspirational and touching film.

~ Evan Derrick